Medicine affordability and access in India: lessons from generic-branded price variation under the Jan Aushadhi Scheme.

ABSTRACT:

Background

High out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) on medicines continues to be a major driver of health-related financial hardship in India. The Jan Aushadhi Scheme (JAS), launched by the Government of India, seeks to improve affordability and access to essential medicines through generic substitution. However, systematic evidence on its pricing dynamics, affordability, and equity implications remains limited.

Methods

We conducted an observational analysis of 696 branded formulations for Eye and Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) conditions, comparing their prices with Jan Aushadhi generics listed in the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI). Data were drawn from the Current Index of Medical Specialties (CIMS, 2021) and PMBI catalogs. Cost ratios and price varia

SUBMITTER: Behera DK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12715599 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature